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Council clarifies sewer‑connection rules, approves South Beach rebate program
Summary
Council amended code to clarify when property owners must connect to newly extended gravity sewer (extending notice period from 60 to 180 days and exempting functioning septic systems) and authorized a South Beach rebate program (up to 75% of connection/construction costs; residential cap $15,000; commercial cap $20,000).
The Newport City Council adopted ordinance 2026‑01 to clarify chapter 5.15 of the municipal code governing when properties must connect to city sewer service. Derek Tokos, Community Development, told council the ordinance adds an "official notice" trigger and extends the current connection compliance window from 60 days to 180 days to give property owners reasonable time to plan and secure contractors.
Tokos said the ordinance exempts existing single‑family residences that have a properly functioning private septic system until that system fails or requires repair; at that point the county sanitarian notifies the city and the connection requirement is evaluated. He said the ordinance preserves deferral options for commercial projects or where terrain makes connection cost‑prohibitive.
The ordinance also authorized the framework for a wastewater connection rebate program to be funded through the South Beach urban renewal area. The resolution the council adopted later the same night set program terms for South Beach: up to 75% of connection or construction costs would be eligible, with residential rebates capped at $15,000 and commercial rebates capped at $20,000. The city fee component may be applied as an upfront rebate and the balance paid after proof of contractor payment; the program will operate until funds are exhausted and was described as first‑come, first‑serve.
